To help you to get to know the companies presenting at LaunchUp #6 we asked each to respond to a few questions…
The following Q&A segment is with Ryan Goodwin, CEO of Simler.com.
Q: What does your company do?
A: Simler is a new web application that connects people based on common interests and allows them to engage in meaningful conversations. While social networks are great for connecting you with people you already know, Simler connects you with people you should know because you share the same passions.
Q: Why does that matter and how do you make the world a better place?
A: To paraphrase CS Lewis, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one!’” No matter how obscure your interests or situation might seem, there is actually someone else out there that is in the same boat. If we can connect those two people, we just made the world a smaller place on the individual level. We make the world a better place, one connection at a time.
Q: Why is your company cool?
A: It’s no secret that social media is a hot topic these days. But in all honesty, social media is headed down the path of noise overload—it has become just a new way to be spammed by your friends. Simler solves the unwanted message problem by distilling the conversations down to what you want to hear, from the people you care to hear from.
Q: What 3 lessons/observations would you tell other entrepreneurs?
A: 1) Work hard. It’s never as easy as you think it will be.
2) Do not underestimate your need for a well orchestrated and executed PR campaign.
3) Don’t try and be everything to everyone.
Q: Pick 5 people for your entrepreneur dream team (assuming you and your team were riding the bench)
A: Steve Jobs (of course), Jake Nickell and Jacob DeHart of Threadless fame, Kevin Rose, and Tony Hsieh
Q: Which one pursuit? Golf, Basketball, Skiing/Snowboarding, Knitting, Mountaineering/Climbing, Bowling, Watching Grass Grow
A: Snowboarding, no question about it.
Q: Why are you an entrepreneur in Utah?
A: I’m in Utah because my first start-up right out of school has been growing rather quickly since we started it. Not to mention, the state provides me with almost all the outdoor adventures that I love within just a few minutes drive.
We look forward to LaunchUp #6 and hearing more from Simler!
